Black History Month is a time for education, reflection, and action. While it is often a celebration of achievements, it must also be a period of critical examination—of systemic barriers, racial policies, and cultural assumptions that continue to shape the experiences of African Americans today.
The history of Black people in America is complex, rooted in enslavement, systemic policies of oppression, and a continued struggle for equity. To be Black is not monolithic. There are African Americans, and then there are Black people from the Caribbean, Canada, Europe, and Africa, each with their own distinct histories and identities. Yet, in America, Blackness is often assumed to mean “African American,” without acknowledgment of these differences.
From the economic power of Black America ($1.8 trillion contributed to the U.S. economy in 2024) to the ongoing struggles against negative stereotypes, colorism, and systemic racism, these are the discussions we must have—not just in February, but all year long.
Here are 28 questions to wrestle with during Black History Month. These are meant to spark conversations in churches, workplaces, classrooms, and family gatherings. They are not just for African Americans but for everyone seeking to better understand race, history, and progress in America.
Systemic Racism & Policies
- What systemic policies still exist today that position African Americans at a disadvantage?
- How has redlining historically affected African American wealth, and how does it continue to impact Black homeownership today?
- How did the War on Drugs disproportionately harm Black communities, and what policies have (or haven’t) been implemented to reverse its effects?
- Why do African Americans continue to have higher rates of poverty despite contributing $1.8 trillion to the U.S. economy?
- What role does mass incarceration play in maintaining racial inequality in America?
- How does voter suppression continue to impact African Americans, and why is it often overlooked?
- Why do predominantly Black schools receive less funding than majority-white schools, and how does this affect educational outcomes?
- How does the racial wealth gap persist, and what are tangible ways to close it?
African Americans vs. Other Black Identities
- What are the differences between the experiences of African Americans and Black immigrants from the Caribbean, Africa, and Europe?
- Why do many assume that all Black people in America are African American?
- How do African Americans and Black immigrants experience racism differently in the U.S.?
- What are the unique struggles of first-generation Black immigrants trying to navigate American racial dynamics?
- How does the term “African American” fail to fully capture the diversity of Black experiences in the U.S.?
Negative Stereotypes & The Criminalization of Black Identity
- How has the media shaped the perception of African Americans as criminals or threats?
- Why are Black victims of violence often criminalized in the media, while white perpetrators are humanized?
- How do “respectability politics” affect the way African Americans navigate society?
- Why are Black athletes and entertainers often seen as less valuable than Black scholars or professionals?
- How does the stereotype of Black inferiority impact Black self-perception and aspirations?
- Why are African Americans often assumed to be less intelligent despite a long history of academic and cultural contributions?
Colorism & Internalized Racism
- How has colorism within the Black community created division and reinforced white supremacy?
- Why are lighter-skinned Black individuals often given more opportunities in entertainment and corporate spaces?
- How do Black men and Black women experience colorism differently?
- How does the beauty industry continue to promote Eurocentric beauty standards over African features?
The Contributions & Legacy of African Americans
- What inventions and innovations by African Americans have been overlooked or credited to white individuals?
- How has African American culture influenced global trends in music, fashion, and art?
- How do African Americans continue to shape American democracy and policy through activism and advocacy?
Moving Forward: What Can We Do?
- What actions can individuals take to actively dismantle systemic racism beyond just learning about it?
- How can Black History Month be a starting point for year-round education, action, and systemic change?
Final Thought
Black History Month is not just about celebration—it is about accountability. These 28 questions are a call to action, urging deep conversations and real solutions. Discuss them at work, in church, during lunch breaks, and in your homes. The fight for equity requires dialogue, but more importantly, it requires action.
If one of these questions resonates with you, or if you’d like to continue the conversation, email me at cjstewartlead@icloud.com.
photo credit: India Albritton